Carlos Cuadras wins technical decision over Ricardo Nunez in return to the ring

Former world junior bantamweight titleholder Carlos Cuadras returned to action Saturday night, winning by technical decision over Ricardo Nunez of Panama at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Saturday also marked Cuadras' first fight since his unanimous decision loss to McWilliams Arroyo on Feb. 24. Now campaigning as a bantamweight, Cuadras hopes to rebound from losses in three of his previous four bouts and personal issues outside the ring.

After the loss to Arroyo, Cuadras was suspended by the WBC for refusing a post-fight drug test. In late April, Cuadras entered a drug rehabilitation center to seek treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.

Cuadras showed ring rust early on against Nunez. Cuadras landed several right hands to the head of Nunez, stunning him in round two, but was not able to follow up as Nunez grabbed onto Cuadras.

Cuadras' was more methodical Saturday night, but continued to land the more-telling punches throughout most of the fight. He was cut over his right eye in round three and over his left eye in round six, both due to an accidental clash of heads with Nunez.

Per rules of the WBC (because a regional title belt was on the line), Nunez was deducted a point for each time Cuadras was cut. After round seven, the ringside physician recommended for referee Christian Curiel to stop the fight.

All three judges scored the bout 68-63 in favor of Cuadras, who improves 37-3-1, 27 knockouts.

Saturday night was a homecoming of sorts for Cuadras, who resides in Mexico City, but was born in Guamuchil, not far from Los Mochis.

Nunez, a two-time world flyweight title challenger, falls to 29-8, 23 KOs.

Junior welterweight prospect Juan Pablo Romero, who represented Mexico at the 2016 Olympic Games, won a one-sided six round decision over Jorge Valenzuela (6-4, 1 KO). All three judges scored the bout 60-54 in favor of Romero, who improves to 8-0, 5 KOs.